Implementing the OCOP Program: Changing mindset, enhancing value

In the journey of building new rural areas, Ninh Binh province has been effectively implementing the "One Commune One Product" Program (OCOP Program). This program not only contributes to shaping typical local and regional products but also helps to increase product value, promote rural economic development, and build modern, sustainable and unique new rural areas.

Staff of Loc Vuong Ecological Trade Construction Investment Joint Stock Company ( Nam Dinh ward) introduces Lac Hong Pho Beef Noodle Soup product - a 3-star OCOP product.

If in the past, people produced mainly based on experience, on a small scale and did not pay attention to the added value of the products, now with the OCOP Program, that thinking is changing every day: shifting from agricultural production thinking to rural economic thinking. The OCOP Program helps people's products not only exploit the potential of agriculture and craft villages, but also become cultural identity, the pride of the homeland, promoting economic restructuring towards multi-value and sustainability.

Mr. Le Quang Linh, Manager of Loc Vuong Eco -tourism Area of ​​Loc Vuong Eco-Trade Construction Investment Joint Stock Company (Nam Dinh Ward) said: In the process of building the traditional beef noodle product Lac Hong Pho meeting 3-star OCOP standards, the Company has always received attention from all levels, sectors and local authorities. The Company's pride is that it has built a product with the beef noodle brand of the ancient land of Nam Dinh. Since being recognized as 3-star OCOP, Lac Hong Pho product has become more known to many people. The Company will continue to preserve and develop the product, striving to bring the product not only to domestic distribution but also to the international market.

In order to create trust with customers and transparency in production and business, when building OCOP products, the subjects have focused on affixing traceability stamps on products and goods. This is considered the "key" to creating trust with consumers and has become a necessary criterion in agricultural and food production. Affixing traceability stamps helps consumers check information about product origin, quality, food safety, contributing to protecting people's health, thereby helping OCOP products increase their value.

Yen Son Medicinal Herbs Production and Consumption Cooperative promotes and consumes products at the fair.

In previous years, the products of Yen Son Medicinal Herbs Production and Consumption Cooperative (Nguyen residential group, Yen Son ward) were not consumed much in the market outside the province, the price was not high. To develop the domestic market, the Cooperative has invested in infrastructure and expanded the raw material area. From the first turmeric starch product, up to now, the Cooperative has produced 15 different products, of which 6 products have achieved OCOP certification from 3-4 stars. Notably, in 2022, with the support of the Department of Science and Technology, the unit used and applied NBC-Trace agricultural product traceability of the National Barcode Center. Through the QR code attached to the product, all stages from seedling incubation, care, harvesting, and preservation are updated on the system according to the implementation time. In 2025, the Cooperative's products will be assessed as meeting the requirements of ISO 22000:2018 in the field of production and trading of products from turmeric, kudzu, polygonum multiflorum and Solanum procumbens.

Ms. Trinh Thi Hoa, Deputy Director of Yen Son Medicinal Herbs Production and Consumption Cooperative, said: Compared to before, building a traceability system has helped us affirm our reputation, create trust for consumers when using products; prevent commercial fraud. Along with achieving ISO 22000:2018 standards, product quality and prices have been improved, reaching more customers. Currently, the Cooperative's product consumption has increased many times compared to before.

The OCOP program has helped entities to be proactive in market development, expand distribution channels, and be able to participate in modern distribution channels, export markets, bring products to supermarkets and shopping centers, increase value and create a strong spread of products to consumers.

Ms. Tran Thi Binh, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Director of Nam Dinh Salt and Trading Joint Stock Company (Nam Dinh ward) said: The company produces light salt products, oyster mushroom seasoning powder, EPSOM salt 100% natural sea mineral salt, Royal salt, herbal mineral foot bath salt... In which, light salt is a special product of the Company and has been exported to the US. When the product meets OCOP and is put on e-commerce platforms (such as TikTok, Shopee...), the number of sales increases many times compared to using traditional sales methods, thereby increasing the Company's revenue significantly.

Products of Nam Dinh Salt and Trading Joint Stock Company (Nam Dinh ward) achieved 4-star OCOP rating.

After more than 6 years of implementing the OCOP Program, up to now, Ninh Binh province has 980 OCOP products with 3 stars or more, including 3 products with national 5-star rating. After recognition, the products are allowed to use the OCOP brand, logo and have the star rating printed and pasted on the product packaging. This has helped the products gain an advantage when entering the market, increasing their value and creating trust with consumers, qualifying them to enter supermarkets and modern distribution systems. Thereby contributing to affirming the Ninh Binh agricultural product brand in the domestic and foreign markets.

It can be seen that the OCOP program in Ninh Binh has created a great motivation for local people and businesses. The program not only brings economic value but is also a comprehensive solution to honor indigenous values, promote folk knowledge, promote creative startups and build a modern and dynamic rural image.

The province is currently selecting potential products for in-depth investment, while closely connecting OCOP with tourism development, e-commerce, clean food supply chains and sustainable exports, gradually bringing the Ninh Binh OCOP brand to the regional and international markets, contributing to realizing the goal of building a multi-value rural economy and a comprehensively developed new countryside.

Article and photos: Hong Van

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/trien-khai-chuong-trinh-ocop-thay-doi-tu-duy-nang-tam-gia-tri-251115083013700.html